Overview

Arum italicum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Arum, part of the Araceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Arum italicum grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe Asia Africa.

About

Arum italicum is a herbaceous perennial in the Araceae family that produces its spring flowers between April and June and reaches about 0.4 m. It suits a wide range of light from full sun to full shade and grows in sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they are well-drained. Plant growth prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. All parts are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arum italicum

About the genus

Arum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. They are native to Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region. Frequently called arum lilies, they are not closely related to the true lilies Lilium.

Wikipedia contributors, "Arum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arum

In the garden

Arum italicum is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial from the Arum genus, native across Europe, Asia and Africa. It typically reaches around 0.4 m and flowers in spring (April to June). The species belongs to the Araceae family and is commonly called Italian arum or Lords and Ladies. Give it a position in either full sun or full shade; the species tolerates a very broad light range. Soil can be sandy, loamy or clay, provided it is well-drained or remains moist but not waterlogged—avoid permanently waterlogged ground. Its UK hardiness rating is H7, meaning it remains fully hardy through UK winters without winter protection in most situations. Use Italian arum where spring bulbs or shade-loving perennials are needed: under deciduous shrubs and trees, at the back of a shady border or in a semi-natural, woodland-style planting. It establishes from tubers and will persist once settled at the planting site. Handle foliage and tubers with care: the plant is toxic if eaten and its sap can irritate skin and eyes; it is also toxic to pets, so consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Arum

Sunlight

Full sun, Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Arum italicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Height

0.4 m

Native to

Europe Asia Africa

Toxicity

TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Frequently asked questions